Bringing spirit to those in need
Sutton Office Donates $23,500 to ‘Adopt-a-School’ Program
Victoria, BC – On May 25, 2012, the Adopt-a-School committee at Sutton Group – West Coast Realty in Victoria will select the fifth annual recipient of a substantial charitable donation. Since 2008, the REALTORS® and mortgage specialists at this office have donated $23,500 to help four schools build new playgrounds, a ball wall and an outdoor seating area. The latest recipient of their goodwill is Marigold Elementary. On May 7, 2012, this school was presented with a cheque for $7,000, which is earmarked for a new playground. REALTOR® Deborah Farley is the founding member of the Adopt-a-School committee and an advocate for children in need.
“One night, several years ago, we raised $7,000 for a family with three children,” says Deborah. “The father left just before Christmas. They had no money for rent, food, hydro bills or Christmas gifts for the kids. The mother had nothing. We paid their utility bills and two months rent. We also gave the mother gift certificates to buy groceries and Christmas gifts for the kids. It got us thinking about how many people are in need and how we could make a difference. My daughter works for a chocolate company that helps schools fundraise. She suggested we go directly to the schools to see what we could contribute.”
As a result, Sutton Group – West Coast Realty established the Adopt-a-School program. Each spring, the committee invites schools to apply to the program; then, over the course of the year, REALTORS® donate $5 to $50 per month. By the next spring, the office has raised thousands of dollars for their selected school.
With district budgets under pressure across the province, there is no shortage of schools that need assistance. “We try to choose schools in the less prosperous neighbourhoods that have few public parks. We also look for high volume schools that are not at risk of closing anytime soon. The focus is on outdoor play equipment that children can also enjoy on weekends and in the summertime.”
The committee consists of REALTORS® Deborah Farley, Dana Styk, Elke Pettipas, Tim McNaughton and Fred Lerch and mortgage specialist Dick Carey. To make a donation to this program or to apply for funding, please contact Dana by email at dstyk@telus.net or phone the office at 250-479-3333.
Sutton is a 100% Canadian-owned and operated company with more than 9,000 REALTORS® in over 200 offices nationwide. To find out more about Sutton, visit www.sutton.com. To learn more about Sutton Spirit, visit www.suttonspirit.com.
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Sutton Group Realty Services Ltd. Contact:
Mandy Siu 604-691-1610 stories@suttonspirit.com
Sutton Group – West Coast Realty Contact:
Deborah Farley 250-479-3333 deborahfarley@shaw.ca